For the second time in a row, Cates Ruben Tulsa-Time-EXP took Grand Champion honors at the International Milking Shorthorn Show. After an emotional speech and tribute to his father, Judge Topp wasted no time selecting his champion. Tulsa-Time was bred and owned by Peter Cate of Warren, N.H.

After making his Grand Champion selection, Judge Topp then tapped the winning four-year-old, Elron Megadeth Waveland-EXP-ET, for Reserve Grand Champion Female. Waveland was owned by Halie Gruenwald of Lost Nation, Iowa.

Ashley Brandel with the Grand Champion of the Junior Milking Shorthorn Show

It was the first time for 10-year-old Ashley Brandel of Lake Mills, Wis., to walk across the colored shavings at World Dairy Expo, and she could not have had a better first year. Maple Fudge of 12 Oaks, owned with her cousin Carley Krull, was presented with the Grand Champion banner at the International Junior Milking Shorthorn Show.

Grand Champions of the Junior Milking Shorthorn Show

“I worked with my family as a team,” Brandel said as she recapped on her exciting day. She is currently planning the perfect spot in her house for her new trophies and banners. When asked how it will feel walking underneath the spotlight at the Supreme Champion Junior Show, an honor that many juniors never have the chance to experience, Brandel humbly said, “I’m nervous, but I’m excited for Saturday.”

In the Heifer Show, Heavenly Zippy, owned by Brett Groebner of Heavenly Show Cattle, Monroe, Wis., was named Junior Champion of both the Open and Junior Shows. The winning Spring Yearling Heifer, Buckeye Knoll Logic Precious, owned by Sarah Rhoades from Greenville, Ohio, was presented with Reserve Junior Champion honors of both shows as well.

Taylor Leach grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Linwood, Kansas. Leach graduated with an associate’s degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College and now attends Oklahoma State University, majoring in animal science and agriculture communications. On campus, she is a member of the dairy club and also works on the university's dairy farm. Leach was the 2016 Hoard’s Dairyman summer editorial intern.